Persimmon Charitable Foundation increases funding pot to £300,000 for 2026
CHARITIES across Wales – including Pembrokeshire – are being urged to apply for a share of £300,000 aimed at helping young people into education, training and work.
The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has opened its second annual open application programme, offering three grants of £50,000 in the first funding round.
The programme is open to registered UK charities supporting young people aged 14 to 25, particularly those living in areas of economic and social deprivation. Projects focused on improving employability and supporting those at risk of falling out of education or work are especially encouraged to apply.
The first round opens on Monday, March 2, with the deadline set for 11.59pm on Sunday, March 15. Successful applicants will be notified in May.
The open application scheme was launched in 2025 to widen access to Foundation funding. Hundreds of charities applied in its first year, with four £50,000 grants awarded to organisations working with young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or who are at risk of becoming NEET.
Among last year’s Welsh beneficiaries was the Stephen and George Charitable Trust, which used its funding to expand alternative education and youth development programmes in Merthyr Tydfil. The support enabled work with pupils attending Pupil Referral Units and those at risk of exclusion.
Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Foundation, said the response to the first year of the scheme had been overwhelming.
“We were amazed by the response to our open application programme, with 1,210 applications for funding received last year,” he said.
“We want to support more charities working to change outcomes for young people and support them in their education, or into training or work, which is why we’ve increased our funding pot to £300,000 this year.”
Charities – including those that were unsuccessful in previous rounds – can apply via the Foundation section of the Persimmon corporate website.
